On June 24th, volume 29 of the Writers of the Future will go on sale. If you’re interested in writing science fiction or fantasy this is a must read book for you. Not only does it include great stories with great illustrations but it also includes essays on the art and craft of writing as well as sumbission guidelines for the Writers and Illustrators of the Future.

I’m proud to have been one of the judges this year and hope that one day we’ll see one of your stories up for the award!

Selected by a panel of judges and edited into a cohesive collection by Wolverton, this year’s Writers of the Future collection is exciting and engrossing, with stories that range across the spectrum of SF and fantasy. Eschewing tried-and-true space opera and epic fantasy, these stories explore new mysteries and ideas. Death takes a bride in Marilyn Guttridge’s “The Ghost Wife of Arlington.” The secrets of the clock that powers the world are revealed in Christopher Reynaga’s “The Grande Complication.” Shannon Peavey’s “Scavengers” introduces the Vulture Lady and explains why no one who leaves her domain ever returns.

Adventurous, lighthearted, thought-provoking, and grim, these stories cover a wide range of science and magic, each unique, refreshing, and innovative in a variety of different ways.

The anthology is fleshed out by essays from the late Hubbard, Nnedi Okorafor, and artist Larry Elmore. This book is not to be missed, full of exciting new writers to watch. (July) Reviewed on 05/24/2013

I am a great fan of your mother’s work and have also read your continuation of the Pern series, which I also very much enjoy.

I was interested in maybe writing a short story based around your mother’s Crystal Singer’s series and try to follow a different Singer who maybe has some connection to Killa. I wanted to ask your permission to actually submit it for publication (possibly beyond my school’s lit magazine).

I wouldn’t outright snag things from her work but would very much like to spring off her multi-verse with the FSP and Ballybran. I have wanted to write a Sci-fi short story for some time and your mother’s multi-verse is one that has captivated me for almost a decade. I discovered Dragon Song in my 6th grade reading class and have been slowly reading your mother’s book series since. I would appreciate a reply but understand having a busy schedule. Thank you for continuing your mother’s work. I enjoy what you have produced thus far and look forward to more from you.

Lyssa Beck

Lyssa,

I’m afraid that’s not possible.

If you’re hoping to become a writer you owe it to yourself to become familiar with copyright law.

While writing in someone else’s universe allows all sorts of cool shortcuts and provides neat backgrounds, it ultimately is not as rewarding as creating your own universe.

Wen Spencer, who wrote Alien Taste and other marvelous stories, started writing Pern fan-fiction. Seanan McGuire who has gone on to make quite a name for herself with both her October Daye series and her Discount Armaggedon series started writing Buffy fan-fiction.